Zelensky: Russia deployed over 850 Shahed drones in 24 hours

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released data on a large-scale aerial attack carried out by Russia against Ukrainian territory. According to him, from the start of yesterday until 9:00 am the following day, the enemy deployed over 850 Shahed-type strike unmanned aerial vehicles.

Scale and nature of the attack

The head of state noted that the massive attack lasted almost continuously. In his assessment, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with waves of drones throughout yesterday and overnight. Zelensky emphasised that not a single hour passed without the Ukrainian sky being free of enemy drones.

The President also drew attention to the fact that these actions were accompanied by artificial restrictions on the capabilities of Ukraine's defence.

Causes of escalation

Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that Russia resorted to escalating strikes after the easing of sanctions pressure and against the backdrop of attempts to pressure Ukraine.

«Очевидно, що на таку ескалацію ударів Росія пішла спеціально, отримавши послаблення санкцій і побачивши спроби тиску на Україну» (It is obvious that Russia deliberately went for such an escalation of strikes, having received an easing of sanctions and seeing attempts to pressure Ukraine), the President stated.